Ammunition featuring a green painted tip signifies a specific type of projectile designed for enhanced penetration. The coloring indicates that the round is a 5.56mm M855 cartridge, part of the Small Arms Ammunition program. These rounds typically consist of a lead core with a steel penetrator insert at the tip, improving their ability to pierce hardened targets compared to standard ammunition. An example would be its use against lightly armored vehicles or barriers.
The adoption of this ammunition offered a tactical advantage on the battlefield by increasing the likelihood of incapacitating enemy personnel behind cover. This capability proved beneficial during military engagements requiring engagement through obstacles. The design evolved from a need for improved performance against Soviet body armor prevalent during the Cold War. Its incorporation into standard military inventories reflects a strategic response to evolving threats.